The Wolf administration is reminding older Pennsylvanians living in long-term care homes that their federal stimulus checks are theirs and don’t automatically go to the facilities they live in.
In a news release, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Margaret Barajas said that when the first round of stimulus checks went out, the PA Department of Aging received numerous complaints that residents in long-term care facilities were told that the stimulus checks counted as income that had to be surrendered, either in whole or in part, to pay for services rendered. Barajas said that that is not the case, and much like everyone else, the decision on where the stimulus money should go lies with the recipients.
The State Department of Human Services has also issued guidance for how the stimulus payments affect the eligibility of those receiving long-term care for the state’s Medicaid program. Stimulus checks are not considered income under the Medical Assistance eligibility guidelines, and those living in long-term care facilities should not have any changes to their monthly charges in their contract due to the payments.
Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact the state attorney general’s office at 800-441-2555, but if they need extra help in preparing their complaint, the Long-Term Care ombudsman can help. Anyone who needs the assistance can call 717-783-8975.
Comments